Assembly for an Excavating Apparatus with Flexible Reinforcement Collar

ABSTRACT

A tooth assembly for excavating equipment may include an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly may also include a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position. The first side of the tooth horn may be adapted to receive a removable insert. A retaining pin may be configured to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn. The retaining pin may include a flexible reinforcement collar.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to replaceable machine parts that are exposed to high wear and repeated shock loading, and in particular to an assembly for an excavating apparatus with a flexible reinforcement collar.

BACKGROUND

Digging and leveling apparatus such as draglines, backhoes, front-end loaders and the like often use replaceable tooth assemblies which are mounted on the tooth horns to provide sacrificial parts that are exposed to the repeated shock loading and high wear occasioned by the digging operation. In such systems, each tooth assembly typically includes a wedge-shaped adapter which mounts directly on the tooth horn of the bucket, shovel or alternative digging or scraping mechanism of the equipment. A wedge-shaped tooth point is frontally seated on and rigidly pinned to the adapter for engaging the material to be excavated.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with tool assemblies for an excavating apparatus have been substantially reduced or eliminated.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a tooth assembly, comprises an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces converging toward a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly further comprises a tooth point coupled with the adapter at the first end, the tooth point having a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter. The second end of the adapter is adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn. In particular embodiments, the first side of the adapter includes an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a complementary shape to the removable insert. A retaining pin is operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the tooth point to the adapter, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tooth assembly, comprises an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly further comprises a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, and the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position. The first side of the tooth horn includes an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, and the cavity having a shape complementary to the removable insert. The tooth assembly further comprises a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn, and the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a retaining pin for a tooth assembly comprises an elongated threaded portion operable to be fastened to a threaded portion of a removable insert. The retaining pin further comprises a head portion, wherein the head portion is at least partially tapered and configured to abut a cooperatively shaped tapered portion of a removable insert, and the removable insert is operable to be positioned in a cavity of a replaceable machine component in an installed configuration. The retaining pin further comprises a flexible reinforcement collar coupled to the head portion.

Embodiments or the present disclosure are particularly suited to accomplish quicker and easier replacement of teeth used for excavating equipment such as draglines, bucket wheels, but also is applicable to other types of equipment having sacrificial parts subject to high wear. Additionally, quicker changeovers for sacrificial parts of machines, especially digging and excavating equipment may be provided utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure. Reduced wear and tear for components of the equipment may be provided by a retaining pin in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the tooth assembly of this disclosure mounted on a conventional tooth horn of a bucket or shovel of an excavating apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tooth assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 assembled on the conventional tooth horn;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adapter and tooth point elements of the tooth assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert element of the tooth assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the adapter, tooth point and insert elements of the tooth assembly in assembled configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the tooth assembly showing the locations where specific tolerances are provided according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the tooth assembly also showing the locations where specific tolerances are provided according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the improved insert and pin using spring-loaded ball bearings;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the improved pin utilizing springs;

FIG. 10 is a detail showing one possible arrangement of a bar-type hook recessed into the head of a retaining pin;

FIG. 11 illustrates an extraction tool that can be used to remove the improved retaining pin of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a second arrangement of the improved insert in which the pin is non-rotatable;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are isometric exploded views of excavation tool components that may be coupled using a pin assembly according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a pin assembly in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a ripper shank coupled with a removable tooth, and shroud, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a retaining pin with flexible reinforcement collar in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a top view of a retaining pin with flexible reinforcement collar in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The attachment system of the present disclosure is described further herein with particular reference to the attachment of replaceable teeth to excavating equipment, and more particularly to the assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,337,495 and 6,052,927, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to and may be used with other machines using replaceable parts. Examples of such machines include down-hole drills and related tools, conveyor belt parts, center wear shrouds and wing shrouds on dragline buckets, track shoes for tracked vehicles, machine gun and artillery breech parts and the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose embodiments in which a tooth assembly (generally illustrated by reference numeral 1) is mounted on a conventional tooth horn 2 of a bucket or shovel of a conventional excavator or other machine using replaceable parts. Tooth assembly 1 includes wedge-shaped adapter 3, fitted with removable tooth point 15, which includes contact edge 18. Tooth point 15 is mounted on adapter 3 by using one or more tooth point retainer pins 33, which each extend through tooth point retainer pin opening 14 in tooth point side wall 17 of tooth point 15. Retainer pins 33 are threaded in an insert 41, seated in opposite sides of the adapter 3. In a preferred embodiment, tooth assembly 1 further includes a transversely-mounted top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36, both of which are also bolted to adapter 3 by means of side plate bolts 32. In some embodiments, adapter 3 includes wedge-shaped adapter base 4 which tapers from base plate 4 a to nose ridge 12, terminating adapter nose 11. Base plate lock opening 5 is provided in base plate 4 a of adapter base 4 for receiving spool 38 and companion wedge 39, and mounting adapter 3 on tooth horn 2 in conventional fashion. Some embodiments include a pair of transverse, vertically-oriented, spaced stabilizing slots 6 in the sides of adapter base 4. Spaced, parallel top rib slots 7 are also provided transversely in the top tapered face of base plate 4 a of adapter base 4 and in some embodiments, top rib slots 7 are T-shaped, as illustrated in the drawings. Similarly, a pair of spaced, T-shaped bottom rib slots 8 are provided in the bottom tapered surface or face of the adapter base plate 4 a in the same relative position as top rib slots 7. It is understood that top rib slots 7 and bottom rib slots 8 may alternatively be shaped in a “dove-tail” or other locking configuration.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are designed to slidably mount transversely on the adapter base 4 of adapter 3. Top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are each characterized by identical cap plates 23 and corresponding side plates 26 and are therefore, in certain embodiments, interchangeable. Cap plate 23 of top wear cap 22 further includes cap plate opening 24, which registers with base plate lock opening 5 located in adapter 3, to provide access to spool 38 and wedge 39 for readily tensioning wedge 39 if necessary, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Cap plate ribs 25, which may be T-shaped, are transversely located in the bottom surface of cap plate 23 of top wear cap 22 and are designed to register with top rib slots 7 provided in adapter 3. Similarly, additional cap plate ribs 25 are provided in spaced relationship in a top surface of cap plate 23 of bottom wear cap 36 for registering with corresponding spaced parallel bottom rib slots 8, located in a bottom face of adapter 3. A side plate retainer pin opening 30 is provided in each of side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and wear cap 36 for receiving side plate bolts 32, respectively, in order to lock top wear cap 22 on the top and one side of adapter 3 and bottom wear cap 36 on the bottom and opposite side of adapter 3. As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, adapter 3 is fitted with an adapter recess 10 on one side to facilitate recessing of side plate 26 of bottom wear cap 36 and extension of the corresponding cap plate ribs 25, located in the bottom surface of cap plate 23 of top wear cap 22, into corresponding side plate slots 28, provided in the extending end of side plate 26 of bottom wear cap 36. Similarly, projecting cap plate ribs 25, located in cap plate 23 of bottom wear cap 36, project in registration with corresponding side plate slots 28, located in the extending end of side plate 26 of top wear cap 22 when top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are assembled and interlocked on the adapter 3, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, a side plate recess 29 is provided in side plate 26 of each of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 and surrounds a corresponding side plate retainer pin opening 30, to accommodate a head of side plate bolts 32 in countersunk, recessed relationship. Furthermore, spaced side plate lugs 31 are provided in side plate 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 for registering with the corresponding spaced stabilizing slots 6, located in the sides of adapter 3, respectively. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when the top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are mounted on adapter 3 from opposite sides, with respective cap plate ribs 25 engaging corresponding top rib slots 7 and bottom rib slots 8 located in the beveled top and bottom faces of adapter base 4 a, respectively, top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are interlocked as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, insertion of side plate bolts 32 through respective side plate retainer pin openings 30 in side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36, respectively, and threading of the side plate bolts 32 in the respective threaded openings 13 located in sides of adapter 3, locks top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 securely on adapter 3, with side plate lugs 31 engaging the corresponding stabilizing slots 6 located in adapter 3. Top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are thus prevented from disengaging adapter 3 without removing side plate bolts 32.

Moreover, the heads of the side plate bolts 32 are securely recessed inside respective side plate recesses 29, provided in the side plates 26, to minimize the possibility of shearing side plate retainer pins 32 from tooth assembly 1.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of side plate bolts 32 is provided with retainer pin shoulder 32 a located beneath the head thereof. In some embodiments, the heads of the respective side plate bolts 32 are spaced from the recess shoulder 29 a of each side plate recess 29. This spacing facilitates limited movement of the top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 with respect to the adapter 3 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,501 and serves as a stress-relieving function to minimize damage to tooth assembly 1 by operation of the excavation or other equipment upon which tooth assembly 1 is mounted.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, tooth point 15 is removably attached to adapter 3 by means of two tapered inserts 41, each inserted in a correspondingly-shaped insert cavity 47, provided in wedge-shaped tooth point side walls 17 of adapter 3. Each insert 41 includes an insert bore 45, extending through a tapered, rounded insert body 44 which terminates in an insert shoulder 42, having a straight shoulder edge 43. The respective oppositely-disposed insert cavities 47 are tapered and shaped to define a cavity shoulder 48, which engages insert shoulder 42, and a body curvature 49, which engages insert body 44. Accordingly, insert cavities 47 removably receive inserts 41 and prevent inserts 41 from rotating when pressure is applied to tooth point retainer pins 33, which secure tooth point 15 on adapter 3. In some embodiments, that include the retainer pins illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, lockwasher 35 may be omitted from the overall structure of the present disclosure. Additionally, embodiments that include the retainer pins illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, insert 41 may not require an insert shoulder that is shaped to prevent rotation. Although FIG. 1 illustrates insert 41 as having a tapered and rounded shape, particular embodiments of the present disclosure may include insert 41 and corresponding insert cavity 47 of various forms, including, but not limited to square, circular, and/or star-shaped.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, tooth point 15 is designed to mount frontally on adapter nose 11 of adapter 3 by matching tooth point retainer pin openings 14, located in the opposite tooth point side walls 17 of tooth point 15, with the corresponding insert bores 45 provided in inserts 41. Each tooth point retainer pin 33 is then registered with a corresponding tooth point retainer pin opening 14 and the shank of each tooth point retainer pin 33 is inserted into the corresponding insert bore 45 located in insert 41 to removably secure tooth point 15 on adapter 3. When tooth point 15 is so positioned on adapter 3, tooth point edge 15 a is located in close proximity to corresponding edges of cap plates 23 and side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 2. However, working gap 37 is maintained between tooth point edge 15 a of tooth point 15 and one or more front edges of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36, respectively, to facilitate movement of tooth point 15 with respect to top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 with respect to adapter 3. As illustrated in FIG. 5, since the diameter of tooth point retainer pin opening 14 is smaller than the external dimensions of inserts 41 at insert shoulder 42, inserts 41 cannot exit the respective insert cavities 47 through tooth point retainer pin openings 14. However, inserts 41 can be easily removed from insert cavities 47 when tooth point 15 is removed from the adapter 3.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, tooth point 15 is afforded a range of movement on adapter nose 11 due to a space between the heads of tooth point retainer pins 33 and the periphery of tooth point retainer pin openings 14 and working gap 37 to relieve digging stresses.

It will be appreciated from a consideration of the drawings that embodiments of the present disclosure exhibit multiple favorable structural characteristics not found in conventional assemblies. The interlocking relationship between top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36, along with the transverse, slidable mounting of these structural members and the removable mounting of tooth point 15 on adapter 3 facilitate an extremely strong, versatile wear-resistant assembly. Furthermore, recessing of respective side plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33, as well as side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 provided in opposite sides of the adapter 3 facilitate excavation and leveling of all types of material without fear of shearing the respective side plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33. Moreover, use and replacement of top wear cap 22, bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 independently or in concert, is quickly and easily facilitated in an optimum manner by simply removing side plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33, sliding top wear cap 22, bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 from adapter 3 and replacing these members by reversing this procedure. Shock and impact resistance of tooth assembly 1 is facilitated by mounting top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 in a non-rigid, but secure relationship on adapter 3 to facilitate a selected minimum movement of top wear cap 22, bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 with respect to adapter 3 during operation. Use of inserts 41 to mount tooth point 15 on the adapter 3 facilitates quick and easy removal and replacement of tooth point 15 without risk of cross-threading a tooth point bolt directly into tapped holes provided in the adapter 3. Such tapped holes are subject to various types of damage and inserts 41 are capable of easy replacement to avoid this problem. In particular embodiments, tooth assembly 1 is mounted on each tooth horn 2 of a bucket or shovel of an excavating apparatus in a conventional manner, utilizing spool 38 and wedge 39. It should be appreciated that alternative means for mounting tooth assembly 1 to a tooth horn of such equipment may also be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the specific tolerances in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows an example preferred embodiment of the present disclosure as applied to tooth point 15. As shown in FIG. 6, tooth point 15 is shown attached to adapter 3, held loosely in place by insert 41. The approximate direction of the heaviest shock load is shown at reference numeral 100. Providing the following clearances between the sacrificial part (the removable tooth point 15, in this example) and the adapter 3 upon which it is mounted will effectively and surprisingly increase the life of the sacrificial part:

Horizontal clearance at reference numeral 101 in approximate direction of shock: about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch.

Vertical clearance at reference numeral 102 normal to approximate direction of shock: about 1/32 inch to about 3/16 inch; preferably about 1/16 inch to about ⅛ inch.

Horizontal clearance at reference numeral 103 normal to approximate direction of shock: about 1/32 inch to about 1/16 inch. In certain embodiments, if larger clearances are used, teeth will tend to move forward and contact the bolts, causing failure by bending or fracture; whereas if smaller clearances are used there will be interference from the castings, notably between adapter 3 and tooth point 15.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which tooth point retainer pin 202 is not threaded, and is fitted with cavity 205 containing at least one spring-loaded ball bearing 203 and spring mechanism 204. Spring mechanism 204 urges ball bearing 203 radially outwardly as far as permitted by hole 206 in the shank of insert pin 202. Insert 200 includes internal slot or depression 201 suitable for accommodating one or more ball bearings 203. When retainer pin 202 is inserted into the cavity of insert 200, ball bearings 206 retract until they reach the internal slot 201, at which point spring mechanism 206 forces ball bearings 203 radially outward into the slot 201, securing retainer pin 202 in insert 200. This operation may be accomplished manually without need for tools. To remove retainer pin 202, a pair of pliers may be used, or if retainer pin 202 is designed to be flush or recessed, an extractor tool (not shown) suitable for engaging hook 207 on retainer pin 202 may be used to remove retainer pin 202. Preferably, hook 207 is arranged as shown in FIG. 10, with the hook formed as a bar recessed in cavity 226 in the head of the retaining pin to protect it from dirt and wear. FIG. 11 shows extraction tool 220 comprising shaft 223 on which a sliding weight 221 moves longitudinally. The distal end of the shaft includes recess 224 suitable for engaging the hook or bar 207 that is recessed into the retaining pin shown in FIG. 10. A stop 222 near the proximal end of the extraction tool permits the sliding weight to act as a slide hammer to dislodge retaining pin 202. In some embodiments, proximal end 225 of extraction tool 220 is pointed for use in cleaning out cavity 226 before engaging bar 207 with recess 224 near the distal end of the shaft of the extraction tool. As a result, tooth retention is achieved without need for threading and unthreading a bolt.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which one or more springs 213 set into cavities 214 are used to retain retainer pin 212 in insert 210 by engaging slots 211.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which retainer pin 226 is fitted with one or more cavities 227 a and 227 b containing at least one spring-loaded ball bearing or pin and a spring mechanism which urges the ball bearing or pin radially outwardly as far as permitted by hole 227 a and/or 227 b in the shank of insert pin 202. The corresponding insert 228 includes one or more internal depressions 229 suitable for accommodating the one or more ball bearings or pins 203. When retainer pin 226 is inserted into the cavity of insert 228, the ball bearings or pins retract until they reach the internal depressions 229, at which point the spring mechanism forces the ball bearings or pins radially outward into the depressions 229 a or 229 b, securing the retainer pin 226 in insert 228. In addition, it has been found that it is desirable to prevent rotation of retainer pin 226 in insert 228 because during use, if the retainer pin rotates, it may cause the ball bearings or pins to work back into their slots, permitting the retainer pin to come free of the insert. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIG. 12 includes a non-rotation device 230, which preferably may comprise cap 230 with a transversely-extending ridge 231 that mates with a transversely-extending slot 232 in the base of retainer pin 226 when retainer pin 226 is fully seated in insert 228. It will be recognized that other arrangements of non-rotation devices are possible, so long as the goal of preventing rotation of the retainer pin relative to the insert is accomplished.

It will be understood that the arrangements of springs or ball bearings and slots illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12 can be reversed if desired, so that the spring or springs are placed in the adapter and the mating slot is in the retainer pin. In addition, the insert can be eliminated altogether by machining an aperture and slot directly into adapter nose 11 in insert cavity 49.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a particular embodiment of tooth assembly 1 that includes adapter 3 removably coupled to tooth horn 2 using pin assembly 334. Although FIGS. 13A and 13B show pin assembly 334 coupling adapter 3 to tooth horn 2, it should be understood that pin assembly 334 may be used to couple other excavation equipment components found on a bucket, shovel or other excavating machine. Pin assembly 334 may be used to couple any combination of such excavation components.

During excavation and/or mining operations, adapter 3 is subject to significant wear and tear. Extreme shock loading is experienced as removable adapter 3 impacts adjacent earth, rocks, and other abrasive material. Therefore, it is desirable to make adapter 3 readily replaceable with a new or reconditioned component of similar or identical configuration. Otherwise, tooth horn 2, or buckets, shovels or other excavation equipment would need to be replaced more frequently, increasing equipment and labor costs associated therewith. By providing a removable adapter 3 at a location upon tooth horn 2 that would otherwise experience the most wear, the service life of such equipment is prolonged by replacing selected parts associated with the excavation equipment.

In order to prevent excessive wear of tooth horn 2, for example, adapter 3 is coupled with and at least partially conceals and/or protects tooth horn 2 from abrasive materials during excavation. Adapter 3 includes first and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 and first and second sides 340 and 342. First and second sides 340 and 342 may be generally parallel to one another. First and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 and first and second sides 340 and 342 cooperate to define an opening 344 at first end 345. Opening 344 converges toward a second end 346 of adapter 3. Opening 344 is configured to at least partially receive tooth horn 2. Accordingly, opening 344 generally corresponds to the shape of tooth horn 2 such that adapter 3 may be slidably mounted on tooth horn 2 and held in place using pin assembly 334.

As discussed above, tooth horn 2 is configured to be received in opening 344. In particular embodiments, tooth horn 2 may include first and second tapered surfaces 348 and 350 that correspond generally with first and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 of adapter 3. Accordingly, first and second tapered surfaces 348 and 350 may converge toward a first end 356 of tooth horn 2. Tooth horn 2 also includes first and second sides 352 and 354 that may be generally parallel to one another. When adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 are coupled, first and second sides 352 and 354 of tooth horn 2 may be disposed adjacent to first and second sides 340 and 342 of adapter 3.

The configuration of adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 may vary significantly within the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, although adapter 3 is described as having first and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338, other embodiments may include only one tapered side. Alternatively, adapter 3 may not have any tapered sides. Furthermore, although adapter 3 is described as having first and second sides 340 and 342 that are generally parallel to one another, in other embodiments one or both of first and second sides 340 and 342 may be tapered such that first and second sides 340 and 342 may not be parallel to one another. Such alterations may also be made to tooth horn 2 within the teachings of the present disclosure. In general, the configurations of the excavation components are selected to receive and provide protection from excessive wear caused during excavation operations.

In particular embodiments, tooth horn 2 also includes pin bore 358 that originates at first side 352 of tooth horn 2 and extends at least partially through tooth horn 2. In the illustrated embodiment, pin bore 358 extends through tooth horn 2 from first side 352 to second side 354. Pin bore 358 is configured to at least partially receive pin assembly 334 through first end 352 and/or second end 354. Pin bore 358 and pin assembly 334 cooperate to provide for the simplified installation and/or removal of adapter 3 from tooth horn 2. Accordingly, adapter 3 may be installed, removed or replaced by an operator in the field, quickly and easily. Additionally, the configuration of pin bore 358 and pin assembly 334 prevent shifting of adapter 3, with respect to tooth horn 2 during use.

Pin assembly 334 includes an elongate insert 360. Insert 360 is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore 358. Accordingly, the shape and size of pin bore 358 corresponds generally to the shape and size of insert 360. The configurations of pin bore 358 and insert 360 may vary significantly within the teachings of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, insert 360 may be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides 370 of equal width 372. Because the shape of pin bore 358 corresponds with the shape of insert 360, pin bore 358 may also be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides of equal width. In particular embodiments insert 360 and pin bore 358 may each be of a shape having between three and eight sides 370. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, insert 360 and pin bore 358 each have six sides 370. In other words, the shapes of insert 360 and corresponding pin bore 358 are hexagonal. The illustrated shape, however, is for example purposes only. It is generally recognized that insert 360 and pin bore 358 may be of any suitable geometric shape. Accordingly, some alternative example embodiments for insert 360 are described in more detail with regard to FIGS. 14 and 15.

In some embodiments, pin assembly 334 also includes one or more plugs 362 configured to cooperate with a plug bore 364. Plug bore 364 extends at least partially through insert 360 and is configured to at least partially receive one or more plugs 362 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, plug bore 364 extends entirely through insert 360 from a first end 366 to a second end 368. Accordingly, plug bore 364 is configured to receive a first plug 362 a at first end 366 and a second plug 362 b at a second end 368. It is recognized, however, that plug bore 364 need not extend entirely through insert 360. Where plug bore 364 does not extend entirely through insert 360, a single plug 362 may be used.

Because plugs 362 are received in plug bore 364 of insert 360, the shape of plugs 362 corresponds generally to the shape of plug bore 364. Thus, where plug bore 364 is substantially cylindrical, plugs 362 are also substantially cylindrical. In the illustrated example, plugs 362 include a generally cylindrical, tapered surface 374 that corresponds to a tapered surface 376 of insert 360. Tightening of a plug 362 forces tapered surface 374 of plug 362 along tapered surface of insert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug 362 beyond an installed position. The configuration of plugs 362 and corresponding plug bore 364 may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present disclosure.

In operation, plugs 362 and insert 360 cooperate to couple adapter 3 to tooth horn 2 in the installed position. As such, sides 346 and 348 of adapter 3 include respective openings 378 and 380, which are configured to at least partially receive a portion of plugs 362. The respective positions of openings 378 and 380 upon sides 346 and 348 are selected to align with first and second ends 364 and 366 of plug bore 358, respectively. In other words, when adapter 3 is properly positioned upon tooth horn 2, plug bore 358 and openings 378 and 380 are aligned such that an imaginary central longitudinal axis I extends through openings 378 and 380 and insert 360. In the installed position, plugs 362 are inserted through openings 378 and 380 and into at least a portion of plug bore 358 to couple adapter 3 to tooth horn 2. In the correct installed position, plugs 362 may be recessed from sides 340 and 342 of adapter 3 by approximately 0.125 to 1.000 inches. In particular embodiments, plugs 362 may be recessed from sides 340 and 342 of adapter 3 from 0.25 to 0.5 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, plugs 362 each include a head 382. Head 382 may be outfitted with a groove 384 to enable the removal and replacement of plugs 362 through openings 378 and 380. As will be described in further detail with regard to FIG. 15, each plug 362 may include one or more threaded surfaces that engage with insert 360 and/or adapter 3. Plugs 362 operate to seal plug bore 364 and protect it from ambient environment, fluids, and debris that may be encountered during use of the excavation equipment. Plugs 362 also allow for the easily decoupling of adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 in the field. In order to decouple adapter 3 and tooth horn 2, plugs 362 having threads may be rotated and removed from plug bore 364 using head 382 and a suitable tool.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13A, tooth assembly 1 includes an elastomeric member 357 that is generally positioned between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2, when tooth assembly 1 is in the assembled position. When installed, elastomeric member 357 provides an interface between the interior portion of adapter 3 and first end 356 of tooth horn 2. Elastomeric member 357 may eliminate or alleviate “slack” between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2. This alleviates or eliminates metal to metal contact between first end 356 of tooth horn 2 and adapter 3, that can lead to premature wear of such components.

Elastomeric member 357 may be provided in one of a number of different materials, including rubber, plastic, or other deformable materials that generally exhibit memory. In other words, such material may be compressed and yet return to its initial shape. Elastomeric member 357 may be coupled with, or be integral with adapter 3 and/or tooth horn 2, in order to simplify installation. For example, elastomeric member 357 may be coupled with the interior portion of adapter 3 (e.g., using an adhesive material). Thus, when tooth horn 2 is coupled with adapter 3 using insert 360, the holes of these components may be configured such that elastomeric member 357 will be at least slightly compressed to remove any slack between such components.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of pin assembly 334 that includes a substantially cylindrical insert 360 having a non-rotation tab 304. As described above, insert 360 is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore 358 of tooth horn 2. Accordingly, where insert 360 is substantially cylindrical and includes non-rotation tab 304, the shape and size of pin bore 358 is also substantially cylindrical and includes a recess that corresponds to non-rotation tab 304.

In the illustrated embodiment, non-rotation tab 304 extends the full length of insert 360 from a first end 306 of insert 360 to a second end 308 of insert 360. However, non-rotation tab 304 need not extend the entire length of insert 360. Non-rotation tab 304 may originate at first end 306 and extend some suitable distance toward second end 308 without reaching second end 308. Non-rotation tab 304 operates to eliminate the rotation of insert 360 in the installed position in plug bore 358. Non-rotation tab 304 also operates to provide strength to pin assembly 334.

Pin assembly 334 also includes a plug bore 310 that is configured to cooperate with one or more plugs 362. Plug bore 310 and plugs 362 may be configured similarly to plug bore 364 and plugs 362, respectively, as described above with regard to FIGS. 13A and 13B. For example, plugs 362 may include a generally cylindrical, tapered surface 314 that corresponds to a tapered surface 316 of insert 302. Tightening of a plug 362 into plug bore 310 forces tapered surface 314 of plug 312 along tapered surface 316 of insert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug 362 beyond an installed position.

The teachings of the present disclosure may be used for coupling various excavation, earth moving, and/or mining equipment components. In general, any removable and/or replaceable component will benefit from the fastening and component cooperation techniques disclosed herein. More specifically, removable adapters may be coupled with tooth horns of buckets, shovels, or practically any heavy equipment components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Similarly, ripper shanks may be coupled with various removable components provided to protect the ripper shank and/or prolong the life of the ripper shank. Another example of excavation equipment incorporating aspects of the present disclosure is described with regard to FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 illustrates a shroud 400 coupled with a shank 402 of an excavating machine part. Shank 402 may be referred to as a “ripper shank.” For the purposes of this specification, a shank is a type of adapter that may be coupled with various excavation equipment components, and may receive one or more removable teeth. Shroud 400 provides protection to shank 402 when the excavating machine is in use. The excavating machine may be a dragline used in mining operations or any other machine used for excavating purposes. Shroud 400 is coupled with shank 402 using pin assembly 404, which may be similar in configuration to the pin assemblies described above with regard to FIGS. 13A-14. Accordingly, fastening components similar to the pin assemblies described herein may be used to couple shroud 400 with shank 402. Similarly, such pin assemblies may be used to couple shank 402 with the excavation equipment component.

Pin assemblies 404 may be inserted through openings 406, into an internal bore through shank 402, and extend at least partially into openings 406 formed in shroud 400. A plug like those described above, may be used to secure pin assembly 404 within shroud 400, to prevent lateral movement of pin assemblies 404. Removable tooth 408 is also coupled with shank 400 using pin assembly 404. For purposes of this specification, shroud 400 may be considered a removable tooth, which protects one end of shank 402. As discussed above, the teachings of the present disclosure may be used to removably couple practically any components. Removable tooth 408, shank 402, and shroud 400 are described and shown herein, for illustrative purposes.

Shroud 400 and tooth 408 are used to protect shank 402 from the abrasive environment encountered during excavation. Accordingly, shroud 400 is placed at a location upon shank 402 where significant wear and tear is anticipated. By providing a removable shroud 400 and removable tooth 408, wear and degradation of shank 402 is reduced, thereby increasing its overall service life.

FIG. 16 illustrates a retaining pin or plug 362 a (hereinafter referred to as “retaining pin 362 a”) with a flexible reinforcement collar 390 used in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure to secure adapter 3 to tooth horn 2 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 13A-15) and/or to secure tooth point 15 to adapter 3 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-12). In particular embodiments, retaining pin 362 a is received in plug bore 364 of insert 360 in lieu of plug 362, and/or insert bore 45 of insert 41 in lieu of retainer pin 33. The shape of retaining pin 362 a generally corresponds to the shape of the particular bore into which it is inserted. Thus, in embodiments in which plug bore 364 and/or insert bore 45 is substantially cylindrical, retaining pin 362 a is substantially cylindrical. In the illustrated example, retaining pin 362 a includes a generally cylindrical, tapered surface 374 a that corresponds to a tapered surface 376 of insert 360. Tightening of retaining pin 362 a forces tapered surface 374 a of retaining pin 362 a along tapered surface 376 of insert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of retaining pin 362 a beyond an installed position. The configuration of retaining pin 362 a and corresponding plug bore 364 may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a clearance or gap may exist between a head of fasteners (such as, for example, plug 362 and/or retainer pins 33) and a bore or slot into which those fasteners are inserted. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, in an installed configuration, a gap may exist between retainer pin 33 and retainer pin opening 14. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 13A-15, a gap may exist between the head of plug 362 and plug bore 364. In particular embodiments, a gap of between approximately 1/16 inch and approximately ⅛ inch may exist between retainer pin 33 and retainer pin opening 14 and/or between plug 362 and plug bore 364 in an installed configuration. As excavation equipment or other machinery is used, this gap or space may allow adapter 3 to vibrate on tooth horn 2 or tooth point 15 to vibrate on adapter 3 leading to excessive wear on and damage to components. To reduce or eliminate wear caused by or associated with movement or vibration of components, particular embodiments of the present disclosure may include a flexible reinforcement collar 390 secured to retaining pin 362 a. Collar 390 may be appropriately sized to at least partially fill the gap between components proximate to retaining pin 362 a. In some embodiments, collar 390 is an annular ring securely fastened to and wrapped entirely around head 382 a. In other embodiments, collar 390 may be partially wrapped around head 382 a. For example, collar 390 may include two or more segments that are separated from each other and securely fastened to head 382 a. Collar 390 may be formed from any resilient and flexible material suitable to absorb shock, vibration and/or movement between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 and/or adapter 3 and tooth point 15. As a result, retaining pin 362 a provides or facilitates a secure and snug fit between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 and/or between tooth point 15 and adapter 3 in an installed configuration. Additionally, retaining pin 362 a maintains adapter 3 on tooth horn 2 in a snug fit without the risk of bending, shearing, or breaking plug 362 and/or retainer pin 33. In particular embodiments, collar 390 is formed from a 50 durometer neoprene or other synthetic rubber material, and may be securely fastened to retaining pin 362 a using vulcanization, adhesives, and/or any other suitable fastening device, method or process. In general, collar 390 may be formed from any appropriate material having any suitable hardness sufficient to reduce and absorb shock between components described herein. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a range of movement of tooth point 15 on adapter nose 11 due to a space between the heads of tooth point retainer pins 33 and the periphery of tooth point retainer pin openings 14 and/or between the heads of plugs 362 and openings 378 and 380 is reduced or eliminated. Retaining pin 362 a, in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure, may reduce wear associated with components of excavating equipment or other machinery. In some embodiments, retaining pin 362 a may substantially reduce or eliminate wear between mating surfaces, such as for example, between first side 340 and first side 352 and between second side 342 and second side 354 as illustrated in FIG. 13A. As a result, retaining pin 362 a may substantial extend the lifetime tooth point 15, adapter 3, tooth horn 2 and/or other replaceable parts of excavating equipment or other machinery. In some embodiments, collar 390 includes tapered surface 391 that is tapered toward the interior of a bore or slot into which retaining pin 362 a is inserted. For example, retaining pin 362 may have a greater height relative to head 382 a at trailing edge 392 and a lesser height relative to head 382 a at leading edge 393. Trailing edge 392 and leading edge 393 form edges of tapered surface 391. Although FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of retaining pin 362 a in which tapered surface 391 has a particular angle and length, particular embodiments may include a tapered surface 391 of any suitable angle and/or length. Additionally, trailing edge 392 and leading edge 391 may be configured to have any suitable height. In some embodiments, trailing edge 392 and leading edge 391 have the same height, thereby resulting in a tapered surface 391 that is flat relative to or parallel with a surface of head 382 a.

FIG. 17 illustrates top surface 394 of retaining pin 362 a. As shown in FIG. 17, head 382 a may be outfitted with groove 384 a to enable the insertion and removal of retaining pin 362 a into insert 360 (as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B and/or insert 41 (as shown in FIGS. 1-4) utilizing an appropriately configured tool or implement. As discussed above, retaining pin 362 a may be externally threaded to allow retaining pin 362 a to fasten to an internally threaded bore or slot, such as insert 360 and/or insert 41. Groove 384 a allows a user to insert or remove retaining pin 362 a via clockwise or counterclockwise rotational movement in a conventional manner.

Although the present disclosure has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tooth assembly, comprising: an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces converging toward a first end of the adapter; a tooth point coupled with the adapter at the first end, the tooth point having a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter; a second end of the adapter adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn; the first side of the adapter including an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a complementary shape to the removable insert; and a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the tooth point to the adapter, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
 2. The tooth assembly of claim 1, wherein a side of the tooth point defines at least one opening configured to receive the retainer pin, the side of the tooth point configured to secure the removable insert within the cavity of the adapter, and wherein the flexible reinforcement collar abuts at least a portion of the at least one opening of the tooth point when the retaining pin is in an installed configuration.
 3. The tooth assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar comprises an annular ring fastened to a head of the retaining pin.
 4. The tooth assembly of claim 3, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar at least partially comprises neoprene.
 5. The tooth assembly of claim 3, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar maintains the adapter and the tooth point in a snug alignment relative to each other in an installed configuration.
 6. The tooth assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar is operable to at least partially absorb shock between the adapter and the tooth point.
 7. A tooth assembly, comprising: an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter; a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position; the first side of the tooth horn including an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a shape complementary to the removable insert; and a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
 8. The tooth assembly of claim 7, wherein a side of the adapter defines at least one opening configured to receive the retainer pin, the side of the adapter configured to secure the removable insert within the cavity of the tooth horn, and wherein the flexible reinforcement collar abuts at least a portion of the at least one opening of the adapter when the retaining pin is in an installed configuration.
 9. The tooth assembly of claim 7, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar comprises an annular ring fastened to a head of the retaining pin.
 10. The tooth assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar at least partially comprises neoprene.
 11. The tooth assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar retains the adapter and the tooth horn in a snug alignment relative to each other in an installed configuration.
 12. The tooth assembly of claim 7, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar is operable to absorb shock between the adapter and the tooth horn.
 13. A retaining pin for a tooth assembly comprising: an elongated threaded portion operable to be fastened to a threaded portion of a removable insert; a head portion, wherein the head portion is at least partially tapered and configured to abut a cooperatively shaped tapered portion of a removable insert, the removable insert operable to be positioned in a cavity of a replaceable machine component in an installed configuration; and a flexible reinforcement collar coupled to the head portion.
 14. The retaining pin of claim 13, wherein the retaining pin is configured to removably secure a first component of the tooth assembly to a second component of the tooth assembly.
 15. The tooth assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar comprises an annular ring fastened to the head portion of the retaining pin.
 16. The tooth assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar at least partially comprises neoprene.
 17. The tooth assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar retains a first component of the tooth assembly and a second component of the tooth assembly in a snug alignment relative to each other in an installed configuration.
 18. The tooth assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible reinforcement collar is operable to absorb shock between a first component of the tooth assembly and a second component of the tooth assembly. 